An e book bargain

I have read many books by Susan Wiggs. In my opinion, this title is different from others, including the Lakeshore Chronicles, that I have read.

This book begins in an engaging way and I was drawn right in. Readers get to know many who live or work on Perdita Street, the location of the author’s book of last year. One of these characters, Margot, is a largely self-made woman who owns her own restaurant. She has carefully chosen its location and is eager for this barbecue restaurant to be a success.

Margot’s restaurant shares a kitchen with a bakery. She therefore gets to know Ida B (yes, like Wells) and her son Jerome. Readers will like both of them.

Readers learn about each of these character’s early years. Margot was very close to her mother but was left on her own too soon. A couple who own a restaurant gave her a start and she ran with it.

Ida B had a love affair when she was a teen. This relationship led to Jerome’s birth. Her backstory will, I think, be a part of the book that will draw readers in. Jerome, is an adult as the story opens. He is a divorced single dad. Will he and Margot get together?

In this novel, I think that Ms. Wiggs had a kind of Jodi Picoult moment as she chose to address some very difficult issues. Some of these have to do with race while one big part of the plot has to do with what happened to Margot, then Margie, at an earlier stage in her life.

A warning and spoiler:

This story was moving along and then a section comes that is about what happened to Margie/Margot when she got involved with a young man in her town. This relationship sours. In this part of the novel, there is graphic sexual and physical violence. Margie’s effort to protect herself with its ramifications and her subsequent experiences in prison may be hard for some to read.

Trigger warning ended.

I found myself engaged with the characters and wanting the best for them. I was hoping for that happy ending as I turned the pages.

Fans of Susan Wiggs will most likely want to read this book. Those who like women’s fiction and are willing to look at hard issues may also enjoy this one.

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 26 July 2022

NO, I did not prepared this mail. It looks lovely though.

My thoughts:

This story about what one does when life derails and the joys and challenges of returning to a hometown makes a perfect fall (and today) Thanksgiving read. Readers will enjoy getting to know Lauryn and her (ex) best friend. Will they reconnect?

I appreciate that the story features a character with hearing issues. Along with enjoyment, a needed reminder of being sure that you are literally (not just metaphorically) understood was welcome.

The story, setting and characters offer an engaging and relaxing read. This could be just right for free time reading on a busy day.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 09 September 2025

First posted on 27 November 2025

Description:

from the publisher

For fans of Elyssa Friedland comes a rollicking fall novel from beloved author Shauna Robinson, where the friend who left and the friend who stayed must reunite to save their hometown through the fall festival that once brought them together. 

Lauryn Harper had a plan. A high achieving, perfectly constructed, eight-year plan. But after a (totally blown out of proportion) mishap at work that plan is put to the test.

As punishment for her mistake she is transferred to the Ryser charity department, a branch that just so happens to be located in the hometown she abandoned long ago – and that her powerful corporate employer is responsible for running into the ground. Horrified at the thought of returning and facing those she left behind (one in particular keeps coming to mind), Lauryn quickly comes up with a new plan: impress her boss enough that she’s briskly whisked back to her big city life.

However, it soon becomes clear that sticking to plans isn’t that simple, especially when her ex-best friend enters the charity department demanding they help revitalize the town by bringing back the once-famous Greenstead Apple Festival. Confronted by her past wrongs, Lauryn immediately agrees to host the festival on Ryser’s dime, but soon enough Lauryn is swept away in town hijinks, chaotic planning sessions, and a second chance with a childhood friend that shows her why home isn’t necessarily a place she has to run from.

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews:

“Robinson’s charming story of derailed plans and unexpected friendship is a lively, joyful read.” ― Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

About the Author

SHAUNA ROBINSON writes contemporary fiction with humor and heart. Originally from San Diego, she now lives in Virginia with her husband and their sleepy greyhound. Shauna is an introvert at heart―she spends most of her time reading, baking, and figuring out the politest way to avoid social interaction.

Trace Elements A Comissario Guido Brunetti Mystery by Donna Leon is an e book bargain

Other books by Leon are also e book bargains now

Where I live, the weather is currently cold and the days are short. When Trace Elements takes place during a summer in Venice, it is as hot as hot can be. Clothes are sticking, meals need to be light and our detective, Guido Brunetti is mystified by the tourists who want to be in Venice at this miserable time. I could feel the heat and the need to drink mineral water. All of this is to say that Ms. Leon is a master at creating her scenes and characters. When Brunetti was eating his cheese and salad, I salivated. When I followed this essentially good man throughout the story, I wanted to know him and his colleagues as real people. When Brunetti was with his wife, Paola, I wanted a marriage like theirs. All of this adds verisimilitude to a novel that, in parts, is deeply tragic.

Tue story begins when Brunetti and a female colleague go to visit Benedetta, a women in hospice care, who is dying a miserable death from cancer. Readers will feel great sympathy for this character’s suffering. Before she dies, Benedetta presents Brunetti and Claudia Griffoni with something to investigate. They learn that Benedetta’s daughters are about to become orphans as Benedetta’s husband recently died in a crash. Was his death an accident? If it was murder how, if at all, does it relate to his job?

In Trace Elements (an apt title), the crime as it relates to Venice feels all too plausible. Ms. Leon has done her research and written a believable and sad tale of human corruption and its consequences. Wrong actions happen but the reasons for them differ.

This title is the latest entry in Donna Leon’s long running series about Guido Brunetti. It is a most excellent novel and I recommend it highly.

Welcome back Richard Jury and Co! 
After reading The Man with a Load of Mischief, I always looked for books in this series. Then, I moved away from them…not sure why, the books or me. But, I will tell you that I very much enjoyed The Knowledge. All of the trademarks are here; characters including Wiggins, Melrose Plant, Diane, etc. and of course the preternaturally smart, cunning and ingenious child(ren). On top of this there is Africa, Art, Astrophysics, the Stars and murder, all of which line up as perfectly as an eclipse. If you enjoy traditional British style (author is American) mysteries with a twist, read this novel!

An e book bargain

Lady Clementine is a wonderful historical novel and one that I highly recommend. As can be seen from the title, it is the story of Clementine Churchill, wife of Winston. The story is told in Clementine’s voice and Ms. Benedict inhabits that so well that, while reading, I truly felt that Clementine was telling her story. The book focuses quite a bit on WWII but there was much before that in Clementine’s biography and these earlier times merit also captured the author’s attention.

Readers learn that Clementine’s childhood was rather insecure and find out why this was so. The losses she experienced and her opportunities to marry before meeting Winston are detailed.

Clementine and Winston had many years together prior to WWII. Readers experience the ups and downs of their relationship, Winston’s political and military woes and their significant family tragedy. Winston’s neediness and strong need for Clementine to be available become quite clear. Readers also witness Clementine’s mental health struggles and the challenges that she faced as a mother. Throughout there is the lens of Clementine finding her own voice and her desire to be appreciated and recognized for the incredible woman that she was.

I give this novel 5 stars, something that I rarely do. I recommend it that highly.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this read in exchange for an honest review.

This book will be published in January 2020.

Praise for Lady Clementine:

“Benedict is a true master at weaving the threads of the past into a compelling story for today. Here is the fictionalized account of the person who was the unequivocal wind beneath Winston Churchill’s wings — a woman whose impact on the world-shaper that was WW2 has been begging to be told. A remarkable story of remarkable woman.”—Susan Meissner,  bestselling author of The Last Year of the War

“The atmospheric prose of Marie Benedict draws me in every single time. Lady Clementine’s powerful and spirited story is both compelling and immersive. Benedict fully inhabits the measured and intelligent voice of Clementine Churchill. Entranced throughout, I discovered the secrets behind a familiar story I thought I knew. Deftly moving from the early nineteen hundreds through World War II, Benedict skillfully paints a vivid picture of the times and life of Clementine, the remarkable woman who was the steady force beside Winston Churchill.” —Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis 

More on Clementine Churchill

I admired both Sonia Purnell and Clementine Churchill even before I was (fortunately) approved by NetGalley for this book on Clementine Churchill . I learned so much from the biography written by Ms. Purnell. This book reiterates many important elements of this fascinating woman’s biography, from her troubled childhood throughout two World Wars and her life beyond. What makes this book different and special, at least to me, are the photographs. They are fascinating both in terms of Clementine and Winston’s lives and as illustrations of the lives of people who lived throughout the 1900s. The text and photos are perfect complements to one another and add to the depth of experience for the reader.

I am savoring this book as I read it. I highly recommend it and give it five stars.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this magnificent book.

I have read but not reviewed this.  It is excellent.

Cut to the chase…there is a rumor that Maria Capello cooked her husband in one of her recipes. Pretty gruesome, but did she? If you wonder, this may be the book for you.

Maria’s husband was a talented chef. His belongings were found along with a note, indicating the possibility of suicide. Did he kill himself, did Maria (as noted above) or did something else entirely happen? Turn the pages to find out.

Protagonist Thea had an absent mother and a father who came in and out of her life randomly. For a sense of security, Thea always watched Maria Capello’s cooking show. It offered comfort, taught her recipes, and even fostered an introduction to her husband.

Thea was on the verge of losing her job but, for some reason, Maria wants her to edit her new book. It is all very top secret. Thea does not know why she was chosen. Will she have been right to accept the job? It leads to her isolation on an estate.

In addition to the main story line, I liked how the author showed Thea’s home life with its daily relationship and parenting frustrations. I also liked how she made a Brooklyn neighborhood come to life.

All in all, worth a look for those who can take some horror. Not so sure for myself. Be aware that it becomes creepy.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 05 August 2025

From the Publisher

www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/11/24/books/review/classic-sf-quotes.html

#TheSecretsofSuccessfulFriendships #NetGalley

It is widely accepted that friendships are relationships of great importance. What contributes to good ones? What can lead one astray? Learn more in this School of Life title that offers a wide ranging perspective.

The book consists of four chapters plus the introduction and conclusion. These are Varieties of Friendship; Enemies of Friendship; Friends of Friendship; and Substitutes for Friendship. I especially liked the section on Friends of Friendship. Here are a number of suggestions on how to be a good friend; readers may find that they already practice what is suggested or they may get some new ideas. Just spending time thinking about this seems worthwhile.

At under 200 pages, this is not a long read. It is, however, a worthwhile one.

Many thanks to NetGalley and The School of Life for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 09 September 2025

Description:

from the publisher

The second book in The School of Life’s ‘Secrets’ series, offering lessons on the emotional skills necessary to build and maintain friendships Few things promise as much potential happiness as friendship, yet the challenge of finding and maintaining meaningful connections remains one of life’s great struggles. 

Through The School of Life’s unique approach to psychology, philosophy and cultural history, The Secrets of Successful Friendships offers a thoughtful exploration of why friendship is both more complex and more rewarding than we typically imagine, and offers strategic for creating strong bonds with others. It examines why we get lonely, what holds us back from deeper connections, and how we might develop the emotional intelligence needed for lasting bonds. 

With characteristic wisdom and warmth, the book explores different varieties of friendship, from casual acquaintances to profound lifelong connections, while offering practical insights into overcoming common obstacles like shyness, envy and fear of vulnerability. 

By explaining friendship’s true purpose, the book gives us a chance to build new relationships of genuine depth and meaning.

Out now

My thoughts:

The Memory Gardener was just the kind of book that I was looking for. I wanted something with a nice setting, good characters and some hope in the plot. Note that plots of the gardening as well as the fictional are a part of the story. There is also a bit of magical realism with the main character having a special connection to scents.

Lucy had fled her small hometown after a personal tragedy. She has been living a peripatetic existence since then working as a garden restorer but moving on as each project is completed. However, Lucy has returned home to her widowed father as the story starts.

Lucy finds an ad that leads her to her next position which is fixing the neglected gardens of a senior residence. Lucy believes that her deceased mom has led her here.

Both Lucy and the reader meet many of the residents and staff of the home where Lucy becomes a change agent. All of the characters also spend time with Lucy’s delightful dog named Gully.

Lucy has a gift for recognizing scents that bring back memories for people. This once backfired spectacularly so it is only with great caution that Lucy shares scents with some of the elderly at the home. For instance, Mr. Fitz reconnects with his love of taking photos after smelling something that leads to reminiscing.

In addition to the characters mentioned above, Lucy meets a young widower and his electively mute daughter. Gully and she connect. Readers will hope that Lucy and Adam do as well.

All seems to be going along nicely until Lucy learns why she is really at the home. Will things work out? Readers will definitely hope so.

Those looking for a gentle yet engaging read will, I hope, enjoy this title as much as I did.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 25 November 2025

From the publisher:

Lucy Barnes is a gardener with an uncanny ability to know exactly which scent among her flowers will illuminate to a person a key from their past that might change their future. Sadly, after a tragedy ten years ago, she no longer uses her gift and has fled her hometown.

But six months after her mother’s death, Lucy awakens to find her mother’s unmistakable scent drifting over her, and she knows that she is being called home. And when a mysterious note leads her to take a job as the gardener at the Oceanview Home, a senior-living residence, Lucy finds herself wondering if there is more to her gift—and her mother’s past—than she ever knew.

Her work among the lush gardens of Oceanview Home soon awakens the entire community, unearthing memories that will forever change all who cross Lucy’s path. But not everyone is happy to see how her presence has transformed the Oceanview Home, and when a secret comes to light that threatens to shatter the entire community, the future suddenly looks uncertain. Have the memories that Lucy has unearthed awakened something wonderful…or are some memories better left buried?

About the Author

Meg Donohue is the USA TODAY bestselling author of You, Me, and the Sea; Every Wild Heart; Dog Crazy; All the Summer Girls; How to Eat a Cupcake; and The Memory Gardener. Her novels have been translated into Dutch, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, and Turkish. Meg has an MFA from Columbia University and a BA from Dartmouth College. Born and raised in Philadelphia, she now lives in San Francisco with her husband, three daughters, and dog. She is working on her next novel.